Does Emanuel Have a Fighting Chance in Chicago?

Posted on Sep 28, 2010

One would think that, after serving for two years as Barack Obama’s hatchet man in the White House, becoming Chicago’s next mayor wouldn’t be the hardest feat for Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel—but then again, this is Chicago we’re talking about here. —KA

The Christian Science Monitor:

The White House chief of staff is expected to announce his candidacy this week, according to numerous sources. He’s already been busy conducting polls and calling and meeting with just about every possible opponent.

But, can he win?

While the speculation has mostly focused on Mr. Emanuel the candidate – and what his departure would mean for the West Wing – there’s no guarantee that Chicago will actually have a Mayor Emanuel.

The biggest factor in a city that is roughly one-third white, one-third black, and one-third Hispanic is the racial politics.